Had one follow up question.. since it seems to be a main topic of this board, and even a bigger topic going into the looming offseason. What are your expectations of Kate Sears freshman season coming off injury?? And in your opinion does she have some of the highest fan expectations you have seen for a freshman?? Because some of the expectations I have seen are pretty absurd lol ** Edited by JerryLopez5 at 2/26/2026, 5:17:41 PM

There were a bunch of top-100 recruits before her — the likes of Sheppard, Kitley, Wenzel — but I think there are a lot more fans invested now, meaning there are more eyeballs on high school recruiting. As a result, expectations feel somewhat higher for someone like Sears, who was the No. 82 recruit in the class, compared to someone like Kitley, who was No. 33 but the following around the program wasn't as big. A side note: I always found it hilarious when Brooks talked about Kitley like she was just a regular three-star recruit. ESPN had her as a five-star! I think Sears will be a solid rotational piece for VT next year. Maybe could be more than that, but also don't know how rusty she'll be coming off the injury, if that makes sense. She's got a high ceiling and four years, though. Could be a spark for next season's team.

since. When we start getting Top 30 type players then we can expect advancement. Until then, even with great coaching, we'll be limited.

to adjust to the speed and physicality of the game. I doubt she will do much as an r-freshman as she learns - unless she is an absolute killer from the 3 point line. Talent wise and development wise she will be similar to Trent or possibly Jenkins. Not bad, improving each game, and with a lot of promise. As she matures and develops, she may be a real star in later years. And that would be terrific!

** Edited by mrknowitall at 2/26/2026, 7:08:55 PM